Hello there my name is Dave, I think I told you. I would like to share a short blog with you about a surprise birthday party that organised for my lovely wife.

My wife was approaching 40 so I thought it was right that I should throw a party for her. I wanted it to be a surprise. I informed his family, which consists of his mum and dad and two sisters. I wasn’t quite sure how well one of his sisters could keep a secret so I kept it to a minimum what I actually told anyone. I was going to organise the party with the help of my sister. I knew she could keep a secret. It was essential that Gina should not find out.

I didn’t know where to start so I started making lists. Even the list looks so daunting I had to make lists of the lists! The amount of suppliers I had to call and the amount of people I had to call to get involved just grew and grew. I started looking at caterers and party organisers and even toyed with the idea of getting an events organiser to do the whole thing for me.

I looked at the party organiser and there is a whole world of things you can buy for a party out there. I looked at the fish and chip van, the popcorn cart, the hot dog van and the pizza delivery boy. Finally I decided on the fish and chip van which at which guests place to orders to get fish and chips late in the evening. I ordered chairs and chair covers and a sit down meal for during the day.

All these things took time and a great deal of patience to get organised. But the hardest thing was to keep the whole thing a secret from my wife Gina. I employed the services of his two sisters to help get some things arranged like transport and music. I still wasn’t sure if his younger sister had spilled the beans to her. Anyway I went ahead with my plans and just hoped that he didn’t know.

We ordered the fish and chip van, and the popcorn cart, for the children. The music was organised and a DJ was installed from early afternoon. Gina was sent out for some errands on the morning with a friend. I just hoped he hadn’t cottoned on. His birthday actually fell on the Thursday before the Saturday the party was due to be held.

On the Saturday morning a marquee was delivered and chairs were delivered along with covers. I had my sister and two of Gina’s friends to help me lay out the tables and chairs. The popcorn cart arrived, and I knew that was going to be a great success, especially with the children. The fish and chip was not due to arrive till about 7 o’clock. I had arranged with caterers for a sit down meal to be arranged. They arrived about 10 o’clock to set up their equipment. We had arranged for a curry and a vegetable lasagna to be the two choices on the menu. For pudding we had Eton mess or cheesecake. I kept my fingers crossed that the food would be a success. The lunch was due to be served about 1 o’clock, so with dancing and activities I thought people would be hungry again by about 8 o’clock in the evening. They could eat their evening meal between eight and 9 o’clock and then be ready to dance until about 1 o’clock in the morning. The DJ was booked till 1 o’clock. I have to say he was the star of the show. He played music all day long and varied it so much to change the mood with people arriving, and then sitting down having lunch. They could then enjoy themselves and have their fish and chips between 8 and 9pm ready to be off boogying in the evening until about 1 o’clock in the morning. The DJ was booked till 1 o’clock. I have to say he was the star of the show. He played music all day long and varied it so much to change the mood with people arriving and then sitting down having lunch and then up and dancing in the evening.

Gina arrived home about 12 noon. By this time quite a few people had started to arrive with cards and presents. The garden was decorated and the chairs were laid out in the marquee. Fortunately the weather was kind to us and it was warm and we had no rain at all. It all seemed a big surprise to Gina and he loved every minute of it. I would never be sure if his sister had spilled the beans to her!